National History Day Project Resources 2023

Please click on the pictures below for more information from these available resources.

2024 Contest Theme

Turning Points in History


Need help with research or finding material? Click on the Picture above.

Login with your school e-mail account (s#@student.k12northstar.org), and Click on Library Resources Icon

Can't Get into a Database? If you get a page with "SLED Databases" at the top and an ask for usename and password, read on!  If you're an Alaska resident with and Alaskan area code, call 1-800-440-2919 for a password.


National History Day Minnesota Website
Rules for All Categories Youtube Videos (click picture above)
Category Information (click the above picture)

National Historical Archives (click on the picture above)

2024 THEME INTRODUCTION VIDEO (click video above)

Student Resources (click the above picture)

Citation Tools (click the above picture)

Search Tips from the Librarian

  • When using Google use the advanced search and limit sites to .edu and .gov. Also, use the word "journal" in your search if that's the type of article you are looking for.
 
  • If you are not finding what you need check the "search tips" for each search engine.

  • If you find something useful, review the abstract and introduction and take the citation. The full text article may be available for free through the school , state or university databases.

  • Know the purpose of your source. Is it to sell a product? Who is the intended audience?  scientist, historian, teachers, student or layperson?

What does "Peer Reviewed" mean?

Not all academic journals are peer reviewed. Although writers are viewed as experts, they may have some ideas that are really "out there".
Peer review is a process an article undergoes before it is published. Therefore it is more likely to be scientifically valid and reach reasonable conclusions. steps:
  • Article is submitted to a journal for publication
  • It is reviewed anonymously by different experts for content, methodology  and conclusions
  • The researcher does not know the reviewers or their names. This is a "double blind" which means people's bias cannot affect how the article is reviewed. Therefore the article succeeds or fails on its own merit, not the reputation of the expert.
  • The researcher receives the article back and makes any necessary corrections or changes and then re-submits the article for publication.

A peer reviewed article is considered more credible than open access or non-peer reviewed journal. 
How do you know if the journal is "peer reviewed"?
  • Limit your database search to peer-reviewed journal only.
  • Refer to Ulrichsweb.com ( UAF) or look closely at the print version cover
  • Does it use technical terminology? Does the article format approximate the following: abstract, literature review, methodology, results, conclusion and references?
  • Is advertising non-existent or kept to a minimum? Are there references listed in footnotes or bibliographies?
  • Find the official website for the journal and check for an indication